Gunnar Henderson, the talented 23-year-old shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles, has been placed on the injured list due to a mild right intercostal strain. This news comes as the team prepares for Opening Day against the Toronto Blue Jays. General Manager Mike Elias expressed optimism, stating that the duration of Henderson's absence is expected to be just a matter of days rather than weeks.

Last season, Henderson made a significant impact, batting .281 with 37 home runs and 92 RBIs, earning the title of American League Rookie of the Year. In his absence, Cade Povich will step into the No. 5 starter role for the Orioles, and Dylan Carlson has been optioned to minor league camp following a solid spring performance.

The St. Louis Cardinals are facing an intriguing competition for their starting center fielder position ahead of the 2025 MLB season. After enduring a season plagued by injuries, several players, including Dylan Carlson and Lars Nootbaar, have returned to the lineup, raising questions about playing time. Victor Scott II and Michael Siani unexpectedly stepped into larger roles, with Siani showcasing solid defensive skills over 124 games last year, despite a lackluster offensive performance.

With a slash line of .228/.285/.570, two home runs, and 20 RBIs, Siani's performance leaves room for improvement. The competition is tight as Nootbaar, Scott, and Siani vie for the center field spot. Manager Oli Marmol has stressed that individual performance will not solely dictate playing time, which adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming spring training.

The Baltimore Orioles face a pivotal offseason after losing key players Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander to free agency. Despite these losses, GM Mike Elias remains optimistic about the team's future, emphasizing the potential of their burgeoning talent. One player to watch is top prospect Heston Kjerstad, who has shown promise in the minors. Elias confirmed that Kjerstad will receive ample playing time, particularly against right-handed pitchers, alleviating concerns about his chances to prove himself at the major league level.

However, the addition of veterans like Tyler O'Neill and Ramon Laureano creates a congested outfield, challenging Kjerstad's path to regular at-bats. Elias mentioned that their offseason moves aim to provide the team with varied options, underscoring the competitive nature of the roster. Manager Brandon Hyde echoed this sentiment about Kjerstad, signaling a commitment to integrate him into their plans as they navigate through the challenges ahead.

The Baltimore Orioles are in a critical phase as they navigate the offseason, seeking to fill the void left by Corbin Burnes who departed for Arizona after a brief tenure. General manager Mike Elias expresses optimism about the team's current status while highlighting that there is still time to make impactful moves before the season begins.

This offseason has seen the Orioles make several acquisitions including outfielders Tyler O'Neill and Dylan Carlson, along with pitchers Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano. However, the team's payroll still ranks in the middle of the pack, raising questions about their long-term strategy amidst rising costs for their young stars like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson.

As they prepare for a third straight postseason push, Elias remains focused on building a competitive roster without overspending, despite the aggressive moves made by rival teams like the New York Yankees who secured Max Fried. The Orioles' management is taking a cautious yet proactive approach, balancing immediate needs with future financial flexibility.